Graduate Quantitative Researcher, PhD (2027 Start)

Optiver; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health, mental, dental, vision, and生活?

Job summary

Optiver is seeking a Graduate Quantitative Researcher to tackle challenging quantitative problems in global financial markets. You will analyze large datasets, develop predictive models, and apply ML techniques to understand market behavior and identify opportunities.

The program is highly applied and end‑to‑end, with onboarding through Global Optiver Academy and exposure to AI tools across the business. The role involves collaborating with researchers, engineers, and traders, with the Austin

Qualifications

• PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, ML, Math or related STEM field.
• Expected to graduate by mid‑2027 and available to start full‑time after graduation.
• Strong foundation in mathematics, probability, statistics.
• Excellent research, analytical and modeling skills.
• Experience applying machine learning methods to real‑world problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop predictive models and ML systems to understand market behavior.
• Analyze large market and order‑flow data to uncover signals and improve trading performance.
• Build and test statistical and stochastic models for pricing and risk.
• Apply modern research techniques, including deep learning and AI‑enabled workflows.

Skills

English fluent

Programming language

Education

PhD in Statistics

PhD in Computer Science

PhD in Machine Learning

PhD in Mathematics

Tools

Statistics tools

ML workflows

Job description

As a Graduate Quantitative Researcher, you’ll tackle some of the most challenging quantitative problems in global financial markets. Working alongside researchers, engineers, and traders, you’ll analyze large‑scale datasets, develop predictive models and algorithms, and apply statistical and machine learning techniques to better understand market behavior and identify trading opportunities.

Research at Optiver is highly applied and end‑to‑end. You’ll frame research questions, test hypotheses, develop and validate models, and see your ideas evaluated in live market environments. Combining rigorous scientific thinking with modern AI‑enabled research infrastructure, you’ll transform insights into solutions that directly influence how we trade.

This opportunity is also available in our Austin office.

What You’ll Do

Your onboarding

You’ll participate in Global Optiver Academy, a structured onboarding program for graduates. It gives new joiners a shared foundation in how Optiver trades, builds systems, and manages risk before they move into their teams. As part of your onboarding, you'll gain exposure to the AI tools and technologies that support research and development across the business.

Your responsibilities

• Develop predictive models and machine learning systems to better understand market behavior and identify trading opportunities
• Analyze large‑scale market and order‑flow data to uncover signals, evaluate hypotheses, and improve trading performance
• Build and test statistical and stochastic models for pricing, forecasting, and risk management
• Apply modern research techniques, including deep learning and AI‑enabled workflows, to accelerate discovery and improve research efficiency

What You’ll Get

You’ll join a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem‑solvers. Together, you’ll tackle some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets by leveraging cutting‑edge machine learning research to develop innovative, real‑world solutions.

• The opportunity to work alongside best‑in‑class professionals from over 40 different countries
• Highly competitive compensation package
• Global profit‑sharing pool and performance‑based bonus structure
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues, and more

What To Expect

As part of our assessment process, you may be invited to participate in a multi‑day, on‑site evaluative program. Through hands‑on workshops, technical discussions, and direct exposure to our researchers and traders, you’ll gain insight into how research is applied at Optiver and how PhD students transition successfully into industry. Attendance and successful completion of this program may be required to receive an internship offer.

Who You Are

• PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, or a related STEM field, with outstanding academic achievements
• Expected to graduate by mid‑2027 and available to start full‑time employment upon graduation
• Solid foundation in mathematics, probability, and statistics
• Excellent research, analytical, and modeling skills
• Experience applying machine learning methods to real‑world research problems, such as time‑series analysis, prediction, forecasting, pattern recognition, optimization, or decision‑making
• Proficiency in any programming language
• Strong interest in working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment
• Fluent in English with strong written and verbal communication skills

Who We Are

Optiver is a leading technology‑ and research‑driven trading firm. Our teams of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and traders work side by side to develop, test, and scale ideas that shape how we understand and trade global markets. Powered by a global platform built for rapid experimentation and iteration, we combine the scientific rigor of a research institution with the pace of a technology company.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.

Optiver is supportive of US immigration sponsorship for this role.

Optiver has a global application re‑apply policy for our intern and graduate roles. If you have completed an online assessment or interviewed for a quantitative graduate or internship role at any Optiver location in the past 8 months, please note that you are not yet eligible to reapply. We welcome you to re‑apply after the 8‑month cool off period.

Base Salary Range

$200,000—$200,000 USD